Should I seek Medical Attention after a Rear-End Collision?

Rear-end
accidents are among the most common vehicle accidents that occur on the
roadways. In fact, rear-end collisions make up approximately one-third of all
motor vehicle accidents. These types of collisions typically happen at lower
speeds (although that is not always the case), and many people view them as
minor “fender benders”.

While
it may be true that rear-end collisions are relatively minor compared to other
types of auto
accidents, this does not mean that they are insignificant. This is especially
true when it comes to injuries that result from the collision. A fender-bender
might only do minor damage to your vehicle, such as a few nicks and scratches,
but those inside the vehicle can end up with injuries that are far more
extensive then they originally appear to be.

According
to a 2015
Washington Post article, there are more than 1.7 million rear-end collisions
in the United States each year. About 500,000 individuals are injured in these
collisions, and approximately 1700 individuals are killed. This means that in
roughly one out of every three rear-end accidents, someone ends up with an
injury.

Common Injuries
that Result from Rear-End Collisions

When
someone is involved in a rear-end accident, some of the most common injuries
they may suffer include:

Whiplash
and other soft tissue injuries

Concussions

Spinal
cord injuries

Back
injuries

Fractures

Internal
injuries

The
type and extent of the injuries that individuals suffer depends largely on the
speed at which the vehicles collide, and other specific circumstances. Oftentimes,
occupants of the lead vehicle are more susceptible to injury because they do
not see the collision coming and they are unable to brace themselves for
impact.

But I Don’t feel
Hurt, do I Still Need to Seek Medical Attention after a Rear-End Collision?

You
may be looking at the injuries listed above and saying to yourself, “none of
this has happened to me, so I don’t need to go see a doctor.” This may be a big
mistake, however. There are several reasons why you should get medical attention
if you have been involved in a rear-end collision, even if you don’t feel “hurt”:

Your Pain can be
Masked by Adrenaline and Endorphins

When
someone is involved in a motor vehicle accident, they experience an immediate
change in state. Suddenly, your heart is racing, and your mind is intently
focused on resolving the situation. The adrenaline and endorphins that are
fired off during a traumatic event such as a car accident are similar to what
athletes often experience in the middle of a big game. You have probably heard
of athletes that continue playing in a game after suffering a serious injury.
They do this because the endorphins and adrenaline rush that hides the pain of
their injury. The same thing could have happened to you. Right after the accident,
you may not feel anything. But once you calm down and several hours up to a
couple days have passed, you might start to feel the effects of your injury.

Some Unknown
Injuries Require Immediate Attention

There
are certain types of injuries that could get far worse if they are not treated
right away, and some may even become life threatening. One of the best examples
of this is an internal injury. Injuries such as internal bleeding are often not
felt inside the body until things reach a dire state. This is why it is always
best to err on the side of caution and make sure you get checked out
immediately after an accident. This helps ensure that the negative effects of any
injuries you may have suffered are minimized.

Obtaining Medical Care
establishes a Connection between the Accident and Your Injury

If
you do end up with an injury from a rear-end collision, there will be medical
expenses, possibly time missed from work, and physical and emotional pain and
suffering. If you have not sought medical attention and you discover these
injuries later on, it will be far more difficult to pursue just compensation if
another party was responsible for the accident. By getting checked out right
away, you not only protect your health, you protect your legal right to file a
claim for damages (if necessary).

Injured in a Rear-End Collision? Speak with an Experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or someone close to you was injured in a rear-end accident in Mississippi, you need strong legal counsel in your corner advocating forcefully for your rights and interests. For a free consultation with one of the skilled accident injury attorneys at the Gardner Law Firm, call our office today at (228) 900-9618, or send us a message through our online contact form.

Pascagoula

Hattiesburg

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.